The launch of Saudi Arabia's new national carrier has been brought forward and is now scheduled to happen before the end of 2022, report Arabian Business and Gulf Insider.
Riyadh Air was earlier said to debut in 2024, but is now tipped to make its first flight in the upcoming months as the airline's development continues to progress, according to unnamed sources in-the-know.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) - which has its own lessor AviLease - is investing about USD30 billion to establish RIA as the driver of turning Riyadh into a major hub rivalling Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International in the UAE, and Doha Hamad International in Qatar. The new flag carrier forms part of Saudi Arabia's USD100 billion investment in aviation in line with its "Vision 2023" strategy to diversify its economy away from oil.
Reports of the fast-tracked launch follow a recent Reuters report the airline plans to order up to forty new A350s with potentially as many options through sister carrier Saudia (SV, Jeddah International), which also hopes to secure aircraft for itself. With a requirement for 68-75 widebody jets, industry sources expect any potential A350 deal to be matched by a commitment for Boeing aircraft.
